Hop across the tabs for the second match of the day as West Indies bat against England. Cheers and bye..

Taylor: "We got ourselves back in the game and did well to make it to the superover. It was a gut feel to give the ball to Franklin, he got us a key wicket in the penultimate over. We should hopefully pick ourselves up and get better in the remaining games "

Mahela: "Everyone was craving for a close game. It was too close for comfort though, NZ were terrific. The wicket was good, probably a touch slow but it was a good wicket. At the end of the day, we have 2 points which will count. We've got a decent bowling attack and are comfortable with what we've got."

Dilshan: "I was a little nervous when I took the catch but I kept it cool in my head. Against NZ, to chase 170 was a good effort. Myself and Mahela set it up in the first 6 overs. I'm really happy that all the guys capitalised and did well."

Dilshan is the Man of the Match

The T20 Cup has sprung into life. After a drab qualification round, the first match of the Super 8 has produced an absolute thriller. Sri Lanka looked to be coasting along when Dilshan and Jayawardene flayed the bowlers all over the park, NZ fought back in the second half thanks to some disciplined bowling from Nathan McCullum and James Franklin. Tim Southee showed why he is regarded as a death over specialist with some toe crunching yorkers, it set up a super over for the first time in the history of the T20 cup. SL just about managed to keep their cool and will take home the points. NZ will reflect upon their batting in the last three overs and some ordinary bowling and fielding at the start of the Sri Lankan innings.

Ball No 6: Malinga to Brendon McCullum, 1 leg bye, SL win the one-over eliminator, a yorker that tails back in on the middle and leg stump, Brendon looks to hoick it over mid wicket and gets hit on the back pad, it rolls to short fine and SL have clinched a thriller here.

Ross Taylor has come out to bat.

Ball No 5: Malinga to Guptill, OUT, full ball just outside off, Guptill hangs back and launches it high to long off, he achieves more height than distance and Dilshan settles under the catch just inside the ropes at long off, that is the match for SL provided that Malinga does not bowl a wide or a no-ball.

8 runs needed off 2 balls

Ball No 4: Malinga to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, catch dropped by Sangakkara, full and wide delivery outside off, Brendon throws his bat at it and gets a bottom edge that is spilled by Sangakkara, he keeps it down to a single, how costly will that miss be?

Ball No 3: Malinga to Brendon McCullum, 2 byes, oh boy, poor keeping from Sangakkara, Brendon charges down the track and Malinga slings a full ball wide outside off, Brendon cannot reach it and the ball sneaks under the legs of Sangakkara, a couple of byes results

Ball No 2: Malinga to Guptill, 1 run, a low and dipping full toss just outside off, Guptill looks to slug it to the leg side and gets an inside edge that rolls to backward square leg

Ball No 1: Malinga to Guptill, 2 runs, good start for NZ, full ball outside off, Guptill slices it over deep backward point and they take a couple.

Malinga will be bowling to Guptill. Here we go. Will Brendon unfurl the McScoop? All set to go here.

Here comes Brendon McCullum and Guptill finally. In case the match is tied even in the super over, Sri Lanka will win as they hit the most boundaries. The Lankans hit 21 boundaries in their innings while the Kiwis hit 19.

It looks like Malinga will bowl the super over for Sri Lanka. Brendon McCullum and Guptill are the most likely opening batsmen for the Kiwis. It looks like Ross Taylor will be the third player. We are awaiting the arrival of the batsmen.

The target for New Zealand is 14. In case, the scores are tied again, the number of boundaries hit will be considered.

Ball No 6: Southee to Thisara, 3 runs, low full toss outside off, Thisara paddles it over Mills at short fine leg, Mills is a little slow in getting there and they take three runs

Ball No 5: Southee to Dilshan, 1 leg bye, another pacy yorker on leg stump, Dilshan cannot squeeze it out and the ball hits the pad, they sneak a leg bye

Dilshan is the third batsman.

Ball No 4: Southee to Mahela, 1 run complete, RUN OUT, full ball slanted across just outside off, Mahela moves to the off side and slogs it to deep square leg, he goes for an impossible second run as Guptill fires in the throw to Brendon McCullum, he calmly whips the bails off and Mahela is short.

Ball No 4: Southee to Thisara Perera, 2 wides, full and wide delivery outside off, Thisara misses out on the slog and the ball is wide of the white line, they sneak an extra run, New Zealand are not pleased but it was indeed a wide, top umpiring from umpire Taufel.

Ball No 3: Southee to Thisara Perera, 2 runs, another yorker just outside off, this is top class death bowling from Southee, Thisara jams it out to long on for a couple, the throw from Williamson is a bit awry and Thisara gets back into the crease.

Ball No 3: Southee to Thisara Perera, wide, oh boy, first bad ball after a long time from Southee, full and wide delivery outside off, Perera cannot connect with the drive and wide is signalled.

Ball No 2: Southee to Mahela, 1 run, Mahela again makes room and Southee follows him with a pin-point yorker on the pads, Mahela squeezes it out to point.

Ball No 1: Southee to Mahela, 2 runs, superb ball from Southee, he stays round the wicket and bowls a pacy yorker just outside the leg stump, Mahela squeezes it out and the ball takes the inside edge to roll to fine leg, Watling slides to his left and keeps it down to a couple.

Mahela Jayawardene and Thisara Perera are coming out to open the batting. Who will be the third batsman? It will be Southee who will bowl this super over. Bring it on.

Sri Lanka will be batting first. One feels that Southee might bowl the super-over. He had bowled a brilliant super-over in the T20I against Australia in Christchruch in 2010.

Oh boy, the second tied match in the history of the T20 Cup. This is New Zealand's fourth tied match in T20Is. They have had a tie against Australia, two against the West Indies and one now against Sri Lanka. This will be the first time that the super over will be bowled. The India versus Pakistan match was a bowl-out.

19.6

Southee to Thirimanne, out Thirimanne Run Out!! Southee has helped to push this match into the super over. A remainder of the 2007 match between India and Pakistan. This was short and outside off, Thirimanne looks to pull and gets an inside edge onto the pads, the batsmen scamper across for the winning run, Franklin gets in quickly, takes his time before throwing the ball towards the bowler's end. Taylor drops the ball as he looks to effect the run-out, fortunately for him, the ball goes onto hit the stumps with Thirimanne well short of his crease. Taylor seemed to be gutted, he was walking away in frustration, he did not realise that the ball went on to hit the stumps. The 3rd umpire was called for, he watches numerous replays before deciding that the match will go into the super over. Thirimanne run out (Franklin/Ross Taylor) 5(4) [4s-1]

Southee to Thirimanne, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

We have a super over, NZ have created an upset by taking this to the super over

The 3rd umpire has been called for, has Taylor lost the ball? The ball seems to have hit Taylor and ricochets onto the stumps, Thirimanne was definitely short. He seems to be OUT, we might have a super over here. The 3rd umpire is taking his time, will Thirimanne get the benefit of doubt. OUT

Everyone are inside the ring, will we get a super over

19.5

Southee to Thirimanne, FOUR, Superb batting from Thirimanne , he got his instinct right here, gets across to a full ball and scoops it over the head of Mills at short fine, the scores are tied here

19.4

Southee to Thirimanne, no run, dot ball! This is gold for NZ, full and outside off, Thirimanne backs away and misses his drive, they do not risk a bye

19.3

Southee to Mathews, 1 run, this is outstanding bowling from Southee, follows Mathews as he backed away, he only manages to clip it to mid-wicket for a single

19.2

Southee to Thirimanne, 1 run, full and outside off, Thirimanne shuffled a long way across his stumps, ends up mistiming the scoop, the ball nearly loops along to Mills at short fine

Lots of conversation and chats in the Kiwi camp

19.1

Southee to Mathews, 1 run, full and outside off from round the wicket, Mathews backs away and drives it to sweeper cover for a single

Lahiru Thirimanne, left handed bat, comes to the crease

Southee to bowl over number 20. SL need just 8 runs

18.6

Franklin to Thisara Perera, out Bowled!! Franklin has his revenge, he has silenced the crowd. This was a slow off-cutter, Perera swung hopelessly across the line, misses it completely and hears the sound of timber. Needlss shot from Perera. Thisara Perera b Franklin 5(3) [4s-1]

Franklin to Thisara Perera, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

18.5

Franklin to Thisara Perera, FOUR, handy boundary for Perera, too much width from Franklin, Perera throws the kitchen sink at that, gets a thick outside edge that flies over point and into the fence

18.4

Franklin to Mathews, 1 run, slower ball from Franklin, Mathews drives it back past the bowler for a single

18.3

Franklin to Thisara Perera, 1 run, length ball outside off, Perera drills it to long on for a single

Thisara Perera, left handed bat, comes to the crease

14 needed from 10 balls

18.2

Franklin to Dilshan, out Dilshan Run Out!! 1 run completed. Is this the game changer for NZ? This was the slower ball from Franklin, Dilshan cuts it square on the off-side and calls for a second run, Southee fires in an accurate throw that finds Dilshan short despite a despairing dive. The bat was in the air as Brendon whipped the bails off. Steve Davis has a look and sends Dilshan on his way. Dilshan run out (Southee/Brendon McCullum) 76(53) [4s-5 6s-3]

Franklin to Dilshan, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

The 3rd umpire has been called for, Dilshan is the man in question. The bat is in the air and Dilshan is OUT

18.1

Franklin to Dilshan, SIX, magnificent shot, this should settle SL low full toss outside off, Dilshan sets himself and swipes it over deep mid-wicket for a maximum

SL need 21 off 12 balls, they need to target this over, can't keep too many for Southee's final over. Franklin to bowl the 19th

17.6

Southee to Dilshan, 1 run, and he ends it with another ball right in the block-hole, Dilshan can just drive it to long on for a single. Just 7 came from that over

17.5

Southee to Mathews, 1 run, this is top class bowling from Southee, yorker length delivery on the stumps, driven towards long on for a single

Southee to Dilshan, 2 runs, good cricket all around, Southee follows Dilshan as he backed away, Dilshan clips it towards mid-wicket and calls for the second run, Guptill comes charging in and has a shy at the bowler's end, he misses and Mathews makes his ground

17.2

Southee to Mathews, 1 run, full and angling across Mathews, driven to deep mid-off for a single

17.1

Southee to Dilshan, 1 run, Southee comes from round the wicket and angles it across Dilshan, he mistimes a slog and gets it to long on for a single

Tim Southee [2.0-0-30-0] is back into the attack

SL need 28 from the final three overs. Southee has two overs in hand, that could prove decisive

16.6

Franklin to Mathews, 2 runs, big Jake saves a couple for his team, Mathews was looking to swing it towards the off-side, gets a thick inside edge that beats short fine, Oram gets along from the deep, puts in a slide and saves a certain boundary

16.5

Franklin to Dilshan, 1 run, superb bowling from Franklin, this was right in the block-hole and outside off, driven towards cover for a single

16.4

Franklin to Mathews, 1 run, change of pace from Franklin, the slower ball, slugged to long on for a single

16.3

Franklin to Dilshan, 1 run, Franklin responds with a slower ball, Dilshan cuts it square on the off-side for a single

16.2

Franklin to Dilshan, FOUR, lovely shot, full and outside off, Dilshan gets forward and thumps it wide of cover, no chance for the man at long off either

16.1

Franklin to Mathews, 1 run, Mathews gets lucky! Skips down the track and looks to go over the bowler, gets a thick outside edge that drops well short of sweeper cover

Franklin to Mathews, 1 run, full ball outside off, Mathews gets forward and drives it to long off for a single

Angelo Mathews, right handed bat, comes to the crease

14.4

Franklin to Jeevan Mendis, out Caught by Ross Taylor!! Sharp catch from Taylor. This was full and outside off, in the zone for the drive, Mendis went hard on the drive, fails to keep it down and Taylor takes a low stinger with ease at extra cover. NZ are chipping away at the wickets. Jeevan Mendis c Ross Taylor b Franklin 8(9) [4s-1]

Franklin to Jeevan Mendis, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

14.3

Franklin to Jeevan Mendis, FOUR, that should relieve the pressure, too short from Franklin, Jeevan swivels back and pulls it behind square, a couple of bounces and over the ropes

14.2

Franklin to Dilshan, 1 run, full ball outside off, Dilshan swings it away towards deep square leg for a single

14.1

Franklin to Dilshan, no run, short of a length delivery outside off, Dilshan mistimes a cut towards the off-side

NZ are rushing in some good overs here. Some concern in the Lankan camp

13.6

N McCullum to Jeevan Mendis, no run, good stop from Nathan, intercepts a hard drive and saves a single for his team

13.5

N McCullum to Jeevan Mendis, no run, flatter and spinning away, Mendis mistimes a cut back towards the bowler

13.4

N McCullum to Dilshan, 1 run, short and spinning back in, Dilshan backs away and cuts it square on the off-side for a single

13.3

N McCullum to Jeevan Mendis, 1 run, flighted delivery on off, Jeevan works it in front of point for a single

13.2

N McCullum to Dilshan, 1 run, pushed through by Nathan, worked behind square for a single

13.1

N McCullum to Jeevan Mendis, 1 run, Rosco is having a shocker in the field, deflects a hard cut towards long off

12.6

Franklin to Dilshan, no run, on a length just outside off, punched towards cover

12.5

Franklin to Jeevan Mendis, 1 run, full ball outside off, Mendis works it wide of cover for a single

12.4

Franklin to Jeevan Mendis, no run, short of a length delivery outside off, dabbed straight to the fielder at point

12.3

Franklin to Dilshan, 1 run, fuller length delivery on the stumps, nudged towards long on for a single

12.2

Franklin to Jeevan Mendis, 1 run, short of a length delivery outside off, Mendis mistimes a drive towards Taylor who fumbles yet again and allows a single. Rosco kicks the turf in frustration

Jeevan Mendis, left handed bat, comes to the crease

12.1

Franklin to Dilshan, out Sangakkara Run Out!! 1 run completed. A misunderstanding results in the second wicket for NZ. This was flatter and on the pads, Dilshan tucks it in front of square, Sangakkara wanted a second and was half-way down the track before being sent back. The throw from Oram is not that great, it was slow and well wide off the stumps. Brendon does well to drag it back towards the stumps and catches Sangakkara well short. Sangakkara run out (Oram/Brendon McCullum) 21(14) [4s-4]

Franklin to Dilshan, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

James Franklin, left-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

The 3rd umpire has been called for, a better throw would have had Sangakkara short, Brendon still thinks that he has got his man. He is right, Sanga is OUT

11.6

N McCullum to Dilshan, 1 run, flatter and on the stumps, Dilshan drives it towards Taylor at mid-wicket, the skipper misfields and allows a single, raises the fifty for Dilshan, his 6th T20I fifty

11.5

N McCullum to Sangakkara, 1 run, short and spinning away, Sangakkara drags it towards mid-wicket for a single

Vettori to Sangakkara, 1 run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Sangakkara skips down the track and chips it in the air, drops just short of long on

8.2

Vettori to Sangakkara, no run, tossed up on the leg stump line, Sangakkara gets across in defence

8.1

Vettori to Dilshan, 1 run, flighted delivery outside off, driven towards long off for a single

7.6

Oram to Sangakkara, no run, full and outside off, Sangakkara mistimes a drive back to the bowler

7.5

Oram to Dilshan, 1 run, Dilshan repeats the shot, gets it a lot squarer this time towards third man, just a single

7.4

Oram to Dilshan, FOUR, this is good cricket from Dilshan, on a length just outside off, Dilshan backs away slightly, opens the face of the bat and steers it past the keeper and into the fence

7.3

Oram to Dilshan, no run, slower ball on the pads, Dilshan looks to flick and misses

Kumar Sangakkara, left handed bat, comes to the crease

7.2

Oram to Mahela Jayawardene, out Caught by Vettori!! Big wicket for NZ. Jayawardene is a goner after an attractive knock, this was banged in short by Oram, Jayawardene was looking to help it along, gets a top edge that is safely held by Vettori coming in from fine leg. The stand has been broken at last. Mahela Jayawardene c Vettori b Oram 44(26) [4s-3 6s-3]

Oram to Mahela Jayawardene, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

7.1

Oram to Mahela Jayawardene, FOUR, nicely done by MJ, lovely touch-play, waits on the length ball, opens the face of the bat and guides it past the keeper and well wide of third man for a boundary

6.6

Vettori to Mahela Jayawardene, 1 run, uppish but safe, loopy ball from Vettori, Jayawardene drives it uppishly but well wide of cover for a single

Vettori to Dilshan, no run, pushed through by Vettori, defended back to the bowler

6.3

Vettori to Mahela Jayawardene, 1 run, tossed up outside off, Jayawardene gets an inside edge towards long on for a single

6.2

Vettori to Mahela Jayawardene, FOUR, nicely done by MJ, this was flighted by Vettori, Jayawardene gets across, rolls his wrists and sweeps it behind square for a boundary

6.1

Vettori to Dilshan, 1 run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Dilshan drives it to long on for a single

Daniel Vettori, left-arm orthodox, comes into the attack

This is the best powerplay score by a team in this edition of the T20 cup

5.6

Oram to Mahela Jayawardene, 2 runs, short and outside off, Jayawardene backs away and cuts it to the right of third man, easy couple for Jayawardene

5.5

Oram to Dilshan, 1 run, Dilshan nudges a full ball wide of mid-wicket for a single

5.4

Oram to Mahela Jayawardene, 1 run, ugly mow from Jayawardene, Oram followed him as he skipped down the track, MJ was cramped for room and gets an inside edge onto the pads, gets a single as the ball rolls towards point

5.3

Oram to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, the slower ball from Oram, Jayawardene drives it in the air but well short of cover

5.2

Oram to Dilshan, 1 run, on a length just outside off, Dilshan mistimes his cut towards cover point, the fielder can't stop it cleanly and allows a single

5.1

Oram to Mahela Jayawardene, 1 run, short and outside off, Jayawardene backs away and chops it down towards third man for a single

Jacob Oram, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

NZ need to get some wickets quickly, the match is running away from them at the moment

4.6

Southee to Mahela Jayawardene, 1 run, yorker length delivery outside off, Jayawardene drives it square on the off-side for a single, 19 came from Southee's second over

4.5

Southee to Mahela Jayawardene, SIX, this is turning out to be too easy for Jayawardene, length ball on the stumps, Jayawardene swings through the line and sends it deep into the delirious crowd at wide long on

4.4

Southee to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, Southee was interested in an appeal, short and just outside off, Jayawardene was looking to steer it towards third man and misses

4.3

Southee to Dilshan, 1 run, full and on off, Dilshan drives it uppishly back at the bowler, the ball just drops in front of the bowler, he does well to get some hand on that and prevents a boundary

4.2

Southee to Dilshan, FOUR, width from Southee, Dilshan asks the fielders to fetch it from the ropes, cuts it on the up and past point for another blazing boundary

4.2

Southee to Dilshan, wide, too short from Southee as he attempts the bouncer, wide called for height

4.1

Southee to Dilshan, SIX, SL are dealing in sixes at the moment, the slower ball from Southee, Dilshan spots it early and climbs into the pull, flat and over the ropes for a maximum

3.6

Kyle Mills to Dilshan, 1 run, Mills ends the over well with another slower ball, Dilshan shuffles across and turns it wide of mid-wicket for a single

3.5

Kyle Mills to Mahela Jayawardene, 1 run, another slower ball from Mills, Jayawardene gets inside the line and clips it behind square for a single

3.4

Kyle Mills to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, the slower ball from Mills, Jayawardene gets across and defends it solidly

3.3

Kyle Mills to Mahela Jayawardene, SIX, this is wonderful batting from Jayawardene, skips down the track, backs away slightly and lifts it inside out over extra cover, the ball has enough power to cross the ropes on the full

3.2

Kyle Mills to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, better length from Mills, pitches this one further and outside off, left alone

3.1

Kyle Mills to Mahela Jayawardene, FOUR, cracking shot, floaty half-volley from Mills, Jayawardene gets forward and drills it in the gap between cover and mid-off, no one moved

2.6

Southee to Mahela Jayawardene, 1 run, back of a length stuff from Southee, Jayawardene angles it to the left of point for an easy single

2.5

Southee to Dilshan, 1 run, the slower ball from Southee, Dilshan chops it to the left of point for a single

2.4

Southee to Mahela Jayawardene, 1 run, back of a length delivery on off, Jayawardene gets an inside edge towards cover for a quick single

2.3

Southee to Dilshan, 1 run, Southee shortens his length on middle, Dilshan drives at that loosely, gets an inside edge behind square for a single

2.2

Southee to Mahela Jayawardene, 1 run, short of a length ball on the stumps, Jayawardene works it wide of mid-wicket for a single

2.1

Southee to Mahela Jayawardene, SIX, magnificent, that was just helped along its way, length ball on the pads, Jayawardene gets inside the line and helps it on its way, the ball sails deep into the stands at backward square leg

Tim Southee, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

1.6

Kyle Mills to Dilshan, no run, short of a length ball outside off, punched towards cover

1.5

Kyle Mills to Mahela Jayawardene, 1 run, fuller length delivery outside off, Jayawardene gets across and defends it towards mid-on for a single

1.4

Kyle Mills to Dilshan, 1 run, Dilshan runs into Nathan at the bowler's end, all seems to be fine in the end, Dilshan mistimes a drive towards mid-on and hurries across for a quick single, ends up ramming into Nathan who was coming across from cover, no damage done though

1.3

Kyle Mills to Mahela Jayawardene, 1 run, 1000 runs for Jayawardene in T20I matches, drops a length ball in front of cover and calls for a quick single, easily done in the end

1.2

Kyle Mills to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, length ball outside off and shaping away, Jayawardene defends it towards cover point

1.1

Kyle Mills to Mahela Jayawardene, no run, good tidy start from Mills, this is pitched up full and outside off, Jayawardene gets forward and defends it back towards the bowler

Kyle Mills, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6

N McCullum to Dilshan, FOUR, excellent start for SL, this was tossed up outside off, Dilshan gets forward and lifts it back over the bowler's head, one bounce and over the ropes

0.5

N McCullum to Dilshan, 2 runs, Nathan drags this one short and on the stumps, Dilshan rocks back and pulls it behind square for a couple

N McCullum to Dilshan, SIX, Dilshan is in the mood for some big hits, skips down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and lofts it wide of long on for a massive six

0.2

N McCullum to Dilshan, FOUR, too short from Nathan and well down the leg, Dilshan gets across and sweeps it powerfully past short fine for a boundary

0.1

N McCullum to Mahela Jayawardene, 1 run, flighted delivery on the pads, Jayawardene tucks it behind square for a single to get off the mark

Mahela Jayawardene and Dilshan are at the crease. Mahela Jayawardene is on strike. N McCullum will open the attack

Welcome back..

A par score from New Zealand on a decent pitch for batting. Nicol was the star performer with his 2nd T20I fifty. There were useful contributions from the rest of the batting order, the ploy of playing both mystery spinners did not quite work out for SL. With the hosts having never chased down a score successfully at home in T20I cricket, NZ will fancy their chances here. Join us in a moment for the chase.

19.6

Nuwan Kulasekara to Williamson, out Williamson Run Out!! 1 run completed. Williamson is out off the last ball. This was full and outside off, Williamson backs away and squeezes it in front of point. He completes the first run and goes for an impossible second. The throw is flat and accurate, Sanga whips the bails off with Williamson miles out of his crease. Williamson run out (J Mendis/Sangakkara) 4(4)

Nuwan Kulasekara to Williamson, THATS OUT!! Run Out!!

Williamson sacrifices his wicket off the last ball

19.5

Nuwan Kulasekara to Franklin, 1 run, low full toss on the stumps, Franklin mistimes his drive straight to mid-wicket, just a single

19.4

Nuwan Kulasekara to Williamson, 1 run, full ball outside off, Williamson shuffles across and works it to square leg for a single

19.3

Nuwan Kulasekara to Franklin, 1 run, good comeback from Nuwan Kulasekara, yorker length delivery outside off, Franklin digs it out and calls for a single, Kula has a shy at the striker's end but Williamson was well in

19.2

Nuwan Kulasekara to Franklin, FOUR, fab shot, full toss outside off, Franklin stands tall and drills it back over the bowler's head, one bounce and over the ropes, almost cleared the ropes on the full

19.1

Nuwan Kulasekara to Williamson, 1 run, good change of pace from Kula, Williamson was shimming down the track, gets an inside edge onto the pads, the ball rolls towards the off-side, Franklin calls for a quick single and makes it with ease

18.6

Malinga to Williamson, 1 run, yorker length delivery on the stumps, Williamson backs away, opens the face of the bat and guides it towards Dilshan at point, retains the strike with that run

Kane Williamson, right handed bat, comes to the crease

18.5

Malinga to N McCullum, out Bowled!! Malinga has got his man, this was full and following Nathan as he backed away, he swings and gets an inside edge onto his pads, the ball then deflects back onto the stumps, NZ are not being allowed to finish strongly. N McCullum b Malinga 3(4)

Malinga to N McCullum, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

18.5

Malinga to N McCullum, wide, Malinga hurls this one full and outside off as he saw Nathan backing away, ends up drifting wide of those tramlines, wide called

18.4

Malinga to Franklin, 1 run, yorker length delivery outside off, Franklin digs it towards the left of Malinga, he can't stop it cleanly and allows a single

18.3

Malinga to N McCullum, 1 run, another low full toss from Malinga, McCullum drives it to long on for a single

18.2

Malinga to Franklin, 1 run, low full toss outside off, Franklin shuffles across and drives it towards cover for a single

18.1

Malinga to N McCullum, 1 run, yorker length delivery on the pads, McCullum flicks it behind square for a single

James Franklin, left handed bat, comes to the crease

17.6

Nuwan Kulasekara to Oram, out Caught by Dilshan!! Another danger-man is gone, this was full and outside off, Oram was looking to carve it over extra cover, ends up hitting it straighter then he wanted, Dilshan gets across and completes a fairly comfortable catch. Oram c Dilshan b Nuwan Kulasekara 6(6) [4s-1]

Nuwan Kulasekara to Oram, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

17.5

Nuwan Kulasekara to Oram, no run, full ball on the pads, whipped straight to the fielder at mid-wicket

17.4

Nuwan Kulasekara to Oram, FOUR, Brilliant effort from Perera!, this was a full toss outside off, Oram ends up playing a one handed swipe, gets more of a top edge that goes behind the bowler, Perera came across, puts in a dive and just fails to get to the ball

17.3

Nuwan Kulasekara to N McCullum, 1 run, another full toss on the pads, clipped towards deep mid-wicket for a single

Nathan McCullum, right handed bat, comes to the crease

17.2

Nuwan Kulasekara to Ross Taylor, out Bowled!! Kula has his revenge. Another excellent slower ball, Taylor was through with his swing even before the ball arrived, he ends up swishing in thin air and hears the sound of timber. Taylor goes with the innings needing a final push. Ross Taylor b Nuwan Kulasekara 23(15) [4s-2]

Nuwan Kulasekara to Ross Taylor, THATS OUT!! Bowled!!

17.1

Nuwan Kulasekara to Ross Taylor, FOUR, excellent bowling from Kula, he only ends up conceding a boundary, yorker length delivery outside off, Taylor squeezes it out and gets it very fine past the keeper and into the fence

17.1

Nuwan Kulasekara to Ross Taylor, wide, Nuwan Kulasekara attempts a slower ball and ends up drifting it well down the leg, wide called

Nuwan Kulasekara [2.0-0-14-0] is back into the attack

16.6

Malinga to Ross Taylor, 1 run, SL miss another chance to effect a run-out, Taylor mistimes his pull straight to MJ at mid-wicket and calls for a quick single, Mahela lobs in a high throw which Malinga can't collect, Taylor survives

16.5

Malinga to Ross Taylor, FOUR, Malinga loses his radar and hurls this one full and on the pads, Taylor gets some bat on that and helps it along towards fine leg for a boundary

16.4

Malinga to Oram, 1 run, yorker length delivery outside off, Oram digs it wide of cover for a single

16.3

Malinga to Ross Taylor, 1 run, fuller length delivery drifting on to the pads, clipped towards deep mid-wicket for a single

16.2

Malinga to Oram, 1 run, full ball outside off, Oram gets forward and eases it wide of cover for a single

16.1

Malinga to Oram, no run, a mix-up but all ends well for Oram, this was full and outside off, Oram gets forward and drives it straight to MJ at cover, he wanted a single before being sent back, the throw misses the stumps though

Lasith Malinga [2.0-0-16-0] is back into the attack

80/3 at 10 RPO from the two mystery men today. NZ would have taken it at the start of their innings.

15.6

A Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, 2 runs, juicy full toss from Dananjaya, Taylor gets across and paddles it past short fine for a couple

15.5

A Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, 2 runs, tossed up on off, Taylor gets across and clips it towards deep mid-wicket, Taylor wanted two and Oram had to put huge strides to make his ground, Mahela can't collect the ball cleanly and Oram makes his ground

Jacob Oram, left handed bat, comes to the crease

15.4

A Dananjaya to Nicol, out Caught by Thirimanne at mid wicket!! Nicol falls after a fine hand, this was flighted on middle, Nicol skipped down the track, looks to play the slog sweep over mid-wicket, gets a lot of height but not the distance. Thirimanne steadies himself under the ball and takes it with both hands. Nicol c Thirimanne b A Dananjaya 58(40) [4s-3 6s-4]

A Dananjaya to Nicol, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

15.3

A Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, leg byes, 1 run, loud shout for LBW, but that one pitched miles outside leg, Taylor was looking to sweep and misses

15.2

A Dananjaya to Ross Taylor, 2 runs, cheeky from Taylor, gets across to a full toss and laps it past short fine for a couple

15.1

A Dananjaya to Nicol, 1 run, flighted delivery outside off, Nicol skips down the track and drills it to long off

Akila Dananjaya Perera [3.0-0-25-1] is back into the attack

What a change from the match where he picked up 6 wickets. Ajantha Mendis would have realised that NZ are no Zimbabwe.

14.6

Ajantha Mendis to Ross Taylor, 2 runs, flighted delivery on off, pushed wide of mid-wicket, the batsmen race back for the second run, 24 came from Mendis' final over

14.6

Ajantha Mendis to Nicol, 2 wides, Ajantha fires this one quicker and way outside off, Nicol lets it go, Sangakkara can't collect it cleanly either, two more wides

14.5

Ajantha Mendis to Nicol, SIX, Mendis is being carted here, this was tossed up outside off, Nicol gets across and lofts it over mid-wicket for the third six of the over

14.4

Ajantha Mendis to Ross Taylor, 1 run, short and spinning away, Taylor backs away and cuts it square on the off-side for a single

14.3

Ajantha Mendis to Nicol, 1 run, Ajantha Mendis gets back over the wicket and floats this full and outside off, driven towards long off for a single

14.2

Ajantha Mendis to Nicol, SIX, another six and this is over mid-wicket, this was fired in quicker and outside off, Nicol gets forward and thumps a slog sweep over mid-wicket, Ajantha has been put under pressure, brings up Nicol's fifty as well

14.1

Ajantha Mendis to Nicol, SIX, up and over square leg! This was tossed up on the middle, Nicol gets across and sweeps it up an dover square leg for a maximum, great start to the over for NZ

13.6

Jeevan Mendis to Ross Taylor, 2 runs, tossed up on off, Taylor nudges it wide of long on and gets back for an easy couple

13.5

Jeevan Mendis to Ross Taylor, no run, tossed up on off, Taylor gets forward in defence

13.4

Jeevan Mendis to Nicol, leg byes, 1 run, flighted delivery on the pads, Nicol looks to sweep and misses, the batsmen hurry across for a single as the ball rolls wide of Sangakkara

13.3

Jeevan Mendis to Nicol, no run, slower and spinning into the batsman, Nicol skips down the track and is hit on the pads

13.2

Jeevan Mendis to Ross Taylor, 1 run, flatter and outside off, eased to long on for a single

13.1

Jeevan Mendis to Nicol, 1 run, flighted delivery on the pads, Nicol shimmies down the track and works it behind square for a single

Jeevan Mendis [1.0-0-9-0] is back into the attack

12.6

Ajantha Mendis to Nicol, 1 run, flatter and on the pads, Nicol tucks it behind the keeper, Malinga gets across at short fine and keeps the batsmen down to a single

12.5

Ajantha Mendis to Nicol, 2 runs, full ball on the stumps, Nicol works it wide of long on and gets back for a second run

12.4

Ajantha Mendis to Ross Taylor, 1 run, Mendis slows this one on middle, tucked behind square for a single

12.3

Ajantha Mendis to Nicol, 1 run, flighted delivery on the stumps, Nicol works it behind square for a single, brings up NZ's 100 as well

Ross Taylor, right handed bat, comes to the crease

12.2

Ajantha Mendis to Brendon McCullum, out Caught by Thisara Perera!! Big wicket for SL and both mystery spinners have struck. This was tossed up on off, McCullum was looking to clear the square leg boundary with a slog sweep, does not get hold of the shot and finds Perera safely under it. He was looking dangerous but walks back to the hut. Brendon McCullum c Thisara Perera b Ajantha Mendis 25(16) [6s-2]

Ajantha Mendis to Brendon McCullum, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

12.1

Ajantha Mendis to Brendon McCullum, no run, pushed through by Ajantha, Brendon was looking to flick it towards the off-side and misses

11.6

A Dananjaya to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, flighted delivery outside off, McCullum skips down the track and drives it to deep extra cover for a single

11.5

A Dananjaya to Brendon McCullum, SIX, superbly struck, McCullum skips down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and lifts it effortlessly over long off for a maximum

11.4

A Dananjaya to Nicol, 1 run, low full toss outside off, Nicol shimmies down the track and drives it wide of long off for a single

11.3

A Dananjaya to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, flatter and skidding through, McCullum looks to work it towards the onside and gets a leading edge towards point

Round the wicket now

11.2

A Dananjaya to Nicol, 1 run, low full toss on the stumps, Nicol gets forward and drives it towards long on for a single

His team-mates are looking concerned as well. There is some bleeding on his nose, there is a hold-up in play as the treatment continues. He seems to be OK though and will resume the bowling

11.1

A Dananjaya to Nicol, no run, catch dropped by Dananjaya, but he seems to be in pain, this was full and outside off, Nicol gets forward and thumps a drive back to the bowler. A Dananjaya looks to catch, the ball burst through his hands and hits him high on the cheek. He seems to be in some pain, Brendon McCullum looks at him with concern, the physio is out with his kit

10.6

Ajantha Mendis to Brendon McCullum, 2 runs, good stop from Jeevan Mendis, this was tossed up outside off, McCullum gets across and plays the slog sweep, the ball bounces just in front of Mendis and spins away, Jeevan manages to get some hand on it and prevents a boundary

10.5

Ajantha Mendis to Nicol, 1 run, tossed up outside off, Nicol lunges forward and drives it to long off for a single

10.4

Ajantha Mendis to Nicol, no run, flatter and quicker from Ajantha, Nicol looks to pull and misses

10.3

Ajantha Mendis to Nicol, FOUR, top shot from Nicol, reads the length well, Nicol waits on it, pulls it in the gap between deep square leg and deep mid-wicket, the ball races away to the fence

10.2

Ajantha Mendis to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, Ajantha Mendis drags this one short and outside off, pulled away to long on for a single

10.1

Ajantha Mendis to Nicol, 1 run, short and outside off, Nicol cuts it in the air and just short of Dananjaya at short third man

Ajantha Mendis [1.0-0-10-0] is back into the attack

9.6

A Dananjaya to Brendon McCullum, 2 runs, the leg break from A Dananjaya, McCullum reads it early, backs away and cuts it square on the off-side for a couple

9.5

A Dananjaya to Brendon McCullum, 2 runs, NZ seem to be intent in attacking A Dananjaya, McCullum does not get to the pitch, ends up dragging an inside edge wide of mid-on and races back for the second run

9.4

A Dananjaya to Nicol, 1 run, flighted delivery outside off, Nicol eases it to long off for a run

9.3

A Dananjaya to Nicol, no run, flatter and quicker from A Dananjaya, Nicol backs away and chops it back to the bowler

9.2

A Dananjaya to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, flatter and on the pads, McCullum tucks it behind square for a single

9.1

A Dananjaya to Brendon McCullum, SIX, Even mistimed shots go for six! This was a juicy full toss from A Dananjaya, McCullum skips down the track, does not get hold of the shot, still has enough power to clear Perera at long off

8.6

Jeevan Mendis to Nicol, SIX, the first six of the innings, this was full and outside off, Nicol gets forward, gets to the pitch of the ball and lofts it back over long off for a massive six

8.5

Jeevan Mendis to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, flighted delivery on the stumps, McCullum skips down the track and belts a drive to long on

8.4

Jeevan Mendis to Nicol, 1 run, the leg-break now, Nicol gets an inside edge towards the onside for a single

8.3

Jeevan Mendis to Nicol, no run, the googly from Jeevan Mendis, Nicol does not read it and is struck on his pads, the impact is outside off though

8.2

Jeevan Mendis to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, flighted delivery on off, McCullum pushes down the wrong line, gets an inside edge towards the onside for a single

8.1

Jeevan Mendis to Brendon McCullum, no run, short and spinning away, McCullum mistimes his cut to cover

Jeevan Mendis, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack

7.6

A Dananjaya to Brendon McCullum, 1 run, Dananjaya slows this one down and on the pads, turned wide of the bowler for a single

7.5

A Dananjaya to Brendon McCullum, no run, tossed up outside off and holding its line, McCullum is happy to let it go

7.4

A Dananjaya to Nicol, 1 run, flighted delivery outside off, Nicol gets forward and eases it to long off for a single

Brendon McCullum, right handed bat, comes to the crease

The birthday boy, 31 year old Brendon is in

7.3

A Dananjaya to Guptill, out Caught by Thisara Perera!! A Dananjaya has struck in his first over, he is thrilled with joy. This was full and outside off, Guptill gets forward, packs some power behind his lofted drive, does not get the height or elevation, ends up offering a straight forward catch to Perera at long off. The dangerous Guptill has to depart. Guptill c Thisara Perera b A Dananjaya 38(30) [4s-6]

A Dananjaya to Guptill, THATS OUT!! Caught!!

7.2

A Dananjaya to Nicol, 1 run, tossed up on off, Nicol skips down the track and drives it to long off for a single

7.1

A Dananjaya to Guptill, leg byes, 1 run, flighted delivery on the pads, Guptill looks to flick and misses, the ball rolls off the pads

Akila Dananjaya Perera, right-arm off break, comes into the attack

6.6

Mathews to Nicol, FOUR, more poor stuff from SL, this time it is Perera, this was full and outside off, Nicol gets forward and thumps it back past the bowler, Perera gets across, puts in a dive and lets the ball through

6.5

Mathews to Nicol, no run, short and wide outside off, Nicol mistimes his cut to the right of Dilshan at point, Dilly puts in an acrobatic stop to save runs

6.4

Mathews to Nicol, 2 runs, lucky escape for Nicol , gets forward to a length ball and swings it towards deep square leg, Jeevan came rushing in, dives forward but the ball bounces just in front of him, he does well to get his body behind the ball and keeps the batsmen down to a couple

6.3

Mathews to Guptill, 1 run, length ball outside off, worked square on the off-side for a single

6.2

Mathews to Guptill, FOUR, Poor fielding from Malinga, he does not read the spin off the ball and ends up being wrong footed, this was short and wide outside off, Guptill cuts it up and over point, the ball bounces in front of Malinga and goes the other way, mahela is not pleased with his effort

6.1

Mathews to Nicol, 1 run, slower ball on the pads, whipped in front of square for a single

Angelo Mathews [1.0-0-2-0] is back into the attack

5.6

Malinga to Guptill, 2 runs, Malinga drifts one on the hips, Guptill tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a couple

5.5

Malinga to Guptill, no run, short of a length delivery outside off, Guptill gets across and cuts it straight to the fielder at point

5.4

Malinga to Guptill, FOUR, the flat bat pull, Guptill shimmies down the track, Malinga drops it short, Guptill keeps a still head and slaps a pull back over the bowler's head, a couple of bounces and into the ropes

5.3

Malinga to Guptill, no run, on a length around middle, Guptill gets back and tucks it towards short mid-wicket

5.2

Malinga to Guptill, no run, the slower ball almost fooled Guptill, he was very early into his shot, closes the face of the bat and gets a slight leading edge towards cover

5.1

Malinga to Nicol, 1 run, width from Malinga, short and wide outside off, Nicol cracks it straight to extra cover who parries it wide of mid-off, the batsmen race across for a single

4.6

Ajantha Mendis to Guptill, FOUR, cracking shot, too short and wide from Mendis, Guptill rocks back and cuts it square on the off-side past point for a boundary

4.5

Ajantha Mendis to Guptill, 2 runs, flighted delivery outside off and shaping away, Guptill dabs it towards point where Malinga has a shy and misses, the back-up is not great and the batsmen end up with a bonus couple

4.4

Ajantha Mendis to Guptill, 2 runs, tad quicker and on off, Guptill lunges forward and drives it wide of Perera at mid-off, the running is good and the batsmen rush back for the second run

4.3

Ajantha Mendis to Guptill, no run, Ajantha Mendis floats this one on off, Guptill gets well forward in defence

4.2

Ajantha Mendis to Nicol, 1 run, pushed through by Mendis, Nicol gets forward and drives it to long on

4.1

Ajantha Mendis to Guptill, 1 run, flighted delivery on the pads, Guptill gets forward and pushes it to long on for a single

Ajantha Mendis, right-arm leg break, comes into the attack

One of the two mystery spinners on, it will be Ajantha Mendis

3.6

Malinga to Nicol, FOUR, Not convincing but Nicol will take the boundary, waits on the slower ball, gets a slight top-edge that loops over short fine and into the fence, expensive start from Malinga

3.5

Malinga to Nicol, no run, Nicol is struggling to get going, shimmies down the track to a length ball, ends up defending it back towards the bowler

3.4

Malinga to Nicol, no run, the slower ball from Malinga, Nicol presses forward and defends it towards point

3.3

Malinga to Guptill, 1 run, Malinga once again drifts one on the pads, turned away in front of square for a single

3.2

Malinga to Guptill, no run, excellent replay from Malinga, shortens his length on off and gets it to shape away, turns Guptill inside out as he looked to defend, the ball shaves past the outside edge

3.1

Malinga to Guptill, FOUR, fab shot, too straight from Malinga, Guptill gets inside the line and clips it past short fine, used the pace on that, the ball races away to the fence

Lasith Malinga, right-arm fast, comes into the attack

Lasith Malinga comes for a bowl

2.6

Nuwan Kulasekara to Guptill, 1 run, slower ball from Kula, Guptill offers the full face of the bat and punches it to long on for a single

2.5

Nuwan Kulasekara to Guptill, no run, fuller length delivery outside off, Guptill gets forward and drives it straight to the fielder at cover

2.4

Nuwan Kulasekara to Guptill, FOUR, nicely done by Guptill, short and outside off, Guptill opens the face of the bat and steers it fine and past the fielder at short third man for a boundary

2.3

Nuwan Kulasekara to Guptill, 2 runs, Perera shells a tough chance, this was struck extremely hard by Guptill, does not get the elevation, it goes towards Perera at mid-on who manages to get his finger-tip on that but lets it go

2.2

Nuwan Kulasekara to Guptill, FOUR, lovely shot, Guptill waits on a pitched up ball, gets forward and lifts it up and over mid-on, one bounce and into the fence

Nuwan Kulasekara to Nicol, wide, Kula loses his radar and hurls this one well down the leg, Nicol looks to pull and misses, good take by Sanga standing up to the stumps

1.6

Mathews to Guptill, no run, length ball nipping back in slightly, Guptill presses forward and defends it back towards the bowler

1.5

Mathews to Guptill, no run, once again in the channel just outside off, Guptill pushes forward in defence and is beaten, lovely bowling from Mathews

1.4

Mathews to Guptill, no run, that is superbly bowled by Mathews, this one holds its line after pitching outside off, Guptill pushes forward and is beaten

1.3

Mathews to Nicol, 1 run, on a length just outside off and holding its line, Nicol punches it towards mid-off for a single

1.2

Mathews to Guptill, 1 run, short of a length delivery outside off and holding its line, Guptill opens the face of the bat and steers it towards third man

The keeper is coming upto the stumps, he calls for a helmet. That should force the batsman to play from the crease

1.1

Mathews to Guptill, no run, short of a length ball outside off, Guptill gets forward and dabs it towards point with an open face of the bat

Angelo Mathews, right-arm fast medium, comes into the attack

0.6

Nuwan Kulasekara to Nicol, no run, Nicol chips down the track to a length ball and misses, the ball goes to the keeper on a bounce, good start from Kulasekara

0.5

Nuwan Kulasekara to Guptill, 1 run, length ball on the pads, Guptill gets across and tucks it wide of short fine for a single

0.4

Nuwan Kulasekara to Guptill, no run, this is a good start from Kula, gets this one to shape back in, Guptill was prodding forward in defence, gets an inside edge that goes dangerously close to the stumps

0.3

Nuwan Kulasekara to Guptill, no run, good length delivery outside off and holding its line, Guptill covers the stumps, lifts his bat and lets it go

0.2

Nuwan Kulasekara to Nicol, 1 run, full ball nipping back in from off, Nicol gets across and clips it towards mid-wicket to get off the mark

0.1

Nuwan Kulasekara to Nicol, no run, loud shout for LBW, extravagant swing for Nuwan Kulasekara, pitches well outside off and darts in sharply, Nicol was moving across in defence and is struck low on the pads, the ball seemed to be angling down the leg

Nicol and Guptill are at the crease. Nicol is on strike. Nuwan Kulasekara will open the attack

The players are out in the middle. Guptill and Nicol will open the batting for NZ. Kulasekara with the ball

Mahela Jayawardene: "We would have batted first as we had two spinners. Ajantha is 90% fit and he is vital. Dananjaya had a good time in the recent SLPL."

Ross Taylor: "We will bat and it looks like a good wicket. Guptill replaces Milne. We have seen the SL spinners in the premier league and we have played Mendis in the past. Jacob Oram had a good time in the SLPL and he will be vital."

New Zealand have won the toss and elected to bat

Pitch Report: Tony Greig says, "The pitch looks flat. It is a new pitch. The pitch is becoming dry and the average score should be somewhere close to 155."

Welcome one and all to the first match of the knock-out stages. It features the home favorites, Sri Lanka against the unpredictable Kiwis. Both these teams have played nine T20Is against each other and New Zealand have won five matches. In fact, New Zealand have won the last four out of the five encounters against the Lankans. No mean feat when you consider that two matches were won in their backyard. The toss is not far away.

Preview by Karthik Lakshmanan

The real World Cup is about to start. With no 'minnows' in the super-8s, the tournament is entering an exciting phase where there are no favourites or underdogs in any of the matches. The second phase starts with hosts Sri Lanka taking on New Zealand, and both teams enter the game with similar forms; they started their tournament with victories but lost their respective second games. Sri Lanka may consider themselves a bit too unlucky and may not be too worried about their form, as their second game (against South Africa) was affected by rain and reduced to just 7 overs. New Zealand become a totally different team when they play in World Cups. Form, squad, opposition..nothing matters to them when they play in the World Cups. Of course, they have no titles to their name, but they have a habit of making it into the knock-outs regularly.

Sri Lanka

What clicked: Sri Lanka didn't have to work too hard to get into the super-8s; their crushing victory over Zimbabwe in the tournament sealed the deal and made sure that the second game was a mere formality. The most pleasing aspect in the win over Zimbabwe was their all-round performance. Although all the attention went towards Ajantha Mendis' record bowling spell, it was the batsmen who set up the big win. Dilshan, Sangakkara and Jeevan Mendis made a combined effort and looked in good form, which is a massive bonus for the hosts considering their powerful lower order. The bowling, needless to say, was dominated by spin and it was the Mendises who stole the show; Ajantha opened the tournament with a whopping 6 for 8, while Jeevan Mendis' leg spin earned him 3 wickets in the opening game. Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, Ajantha picked up a side strain in the first game and is a doubtful started for the clash against New Zealand.

What didn't click: Sri Lanka's area of concern will be the form of their 2 stalwarts - skipper Mahela Jayawardene and pacer Lasith Malinga. Jayawardene has not got going in both the matches, and although it's by no means a major worry, his form at the top order will be crucial for the hosts in the Super 8s. Malinga, known to be a lethal bowler in this format, has been expensive in both the games (although he has bowled only 4.3 overs), and will look to hit peak form as the tournament enters a crucial phase. Dilshan Munaweera looked totally out of sorts at the top of the order against quality pace bowling, and it will be interesting to see if Sri Lanka continue to back him.

What to expect: Sri Lanka know the conditions inside out and nothing less than a semi-final spot will satisfy their fans. Their biggest strength lies in their all-rounders (Jeevan Mendis, Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera) which lends balance to the side. Their fortunes in the super-8s will depend on the top order though; if the likes of Dilshan, Sangakkara and Mahela give solid starts, Sri Lanka have the fire-power in the lower order to carry them far in the tournament.

New Zealand:

What clicked:New Zealand will be happy with the form of their batsmen in the group stages. The highlight of their campaign in this year's World Cup so far has been Brendon McCullum's blazing century in the match against Bangladesh. He smashed 123 off just 58 balls and opened New Zealand's tournament with a huge win which also ensured an entry into the super 8s. The good thing for New Zealand is that almost all their batsmen got a look in in the group stages, which gives Taylor a lot more flexibility. Tim Southee was the stand-out bowler as far as the pacers are concerned, while Nathan McCullum did a fine job in the game against Bangladesh. The experienced Vettori hasn't been among the wickets, but with the pitches starting to assist spinners, expect him to play a big part as the tournament progresses.

What didn't click:New Zealand's major worry starts right from the top; in the 2 league games, they had 2 different opening partners (Gutpill and Franklin against Bangladesh, Nicol and Williamson against Pakistan) and it is always a tricky thing to have an unstable opening pair. They experimented with a few things in their batting order, but as the tournament progresses, they will seek some stability at the top. Jacob Oram's bowling form is the major area of concern in the bowling department; he has conceded 78 runs in 8 overs in the tournament and his poor form affects the balance in the bowling line up.

What to expect: New Zealand may never go into a tournament of a match with the tag of 'favourites', but they know how to do well in major tournaments. A look at history across all formats indicates that this is a side which surprises the best in business when it comes to pressure games, so no team will be taking them lightly at any point. They have the firepower and the balance to their squad, and it will be no surprise if they go deep into the tournament.